Welcome, New Generation Hope Team Members!

We’re so excited to be growing our team. Get to know the newest members of our staff, as well as a 2023 intern, below!

Devita Bishundat
Director of Learning & Innovation

As the daughter of working class immigrants and the first in my family to go to college, I understand deeply how education can be a pathway for economic mobility. Much of my career has focused on advancing educational equity, access, and success for historically marginalized communities within higher education and I’m looking forward to bringing that expertise to FamilyU. 

Prior to joining Generation Hope, I served as the Director of the Community Scholars Program at Georgetown University for eight years. In that capacity, I championed many institutional efforts, policies, and programs to support the academic and personal success of first generation, low-income, and BIPOC students. In addition to these leadership and policy duties, I provided front-line holistic advising to students, forging relationships that supported their success and that allowed me to learn from them and their experiences what it’s like to be a student today.

I graduated with an Executive Masters in Leadership from the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown in May 2019. I also graduated with my M.Ed. in Higher Education from Loyola University Chicago, and earned a B.A. from Goucher College.  Outside of work, I enjoy cheering on DC sport teams, being an auntie, trying out new recipes, salsa dancing, and reading.

Jaliah Cobbs
Development Coordinator

Hey, my name is Jaliah! I’m originally from New York City, the Bronx to be exact. I studied Criminal Justice and Law at Saint Peters University and graduated with my Master’s degree from New York University in Education and Social Policy. I’ve always had a passion for education equity and ensuring that everyone has access to a quality education. My past work experiences have always included education and non-profits organizations. Getting the opportunity to work at Generation Hope will expand my knowledge to be a better access to my community. Outside of work, You can find me checking out a delicious restaurant, a Pilates class or roller-skating!

Menal Khanna
Events Manager

My name is Menal Khanna, and I am so excited to be the new Events Manager at Generation Hope. To describe myself in three words I would say I am enthusiastic, adventurous, and fun-loving. Outside of work I love to travel, dance, explore new cities and places, engage in my culture through traditions and music, and love a good happy hour. I value spending time with my friends and family. I am a first-generation Indian American woman, born and brought up in beautiful Colorado and make it a point to visit family often. Professionally, I graduated from CU Boulder with a degree in Business Administration majoring in Marketing and quickly knew that although I am business-savvy, I am also service-oriented, which made me into the nonprofit sector. I am passionate about making an impact and am mission-oriented. I hope to put together inclusive and welcoming spaces for folks to convene, connect, and make a difference together. A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is imperative for me and I value authenticity and connection. Additionally, I am focused on serving marginalized communities and promoting accessibility and equity, all of which brought me to Generation Hope. I am so excited to bring my events and development background to support student parents thrive and reach economic mobility!

Cheryl Lovelady
2023 Clinical Mental Health Intern

Hello! My name is Cheryl Lovelady. I am so proud to be part of Generation Hope's Mental Health Team as a Clinical Mental Health Intern in 2023.

Interning with Generation Hope feels like a culmination of the last three years that I've spent learning to provide mental health support and skills to adults, children, and families. After an early career in law and policy, I am once again a student, now finishing my last year in the Master of Social Work program at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work. I firmly believe in the power of education to help us each achieve our dreams, and I'm truly excited to connect and learn alongside GH's parent scholars and their children.

I live in Washington, DC with my wife, our two cats, and an ever-expanding collection of houseplants. Originally from Texas, I am still looking for the best queso in DC and I habitually overuse "y'all" as a gender-inclusive pronoun.

Le’Kedra Robertson
Director of New Orleans Programming

I’m excited to join the team as the Director of Programming for Generation Hope-New Orleans. My passion for education, youth, and leadership development is steeped in my strong faith in God and family tradition of public service. These values served me well as a student leader at Southeastern Louisiana University, where I earned a bachelor’s degree in social work.

I believe my purpose in life is to assist youth and families by increasing opportunities and exposure to resources to propel them to the next level of living the life that is purposed for them.  In my free time I love to travel, host “Game Night Krewe” and Connect Feaux events.